Dele Farotimi, a human rights activist, has been remanded in custody by an Ekiti Magistrate Court following allegations of defamation against Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD). Farotimi, who accused the legal luminary of judicial corruption in his book "Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System," now faces a 16-count charge and will remain in custody until his bail application hearing on December 10.
Farotimi was apprehended by Ekiti State Police in Lagos on December 3 and transported to Ekiti for arraignment. Counsel to Afe Babalola, Owoseni Ajayi, insists Farotimi must substantiate his claims, labeling them a deliberate attempt to damage the esteemed lawyer’s reputation.
Ajayi, a former Ekiti Justice Commissioner, expressed this at a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti, accompanied by former state chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olasunkanmi Falade and Lawrence Fasanmi. He described Farotimi’s allegations as baseless, motivated by dissatisfaction over unresolved land disputes unrelated to Babalola.
The conflict stems from a Supreme Court case in 2013 involving the Gbadamosi Eletu family and the Ojomu family over 254 hectares of land in Lagos. The Supreme Court upheld the sale of the land to the Gbadamosi Eletu family. However, a clerical error in the judgment indicated only 10 hectares, prompting Afe Babalola's chambers to file for correction in 2014.
The corrected judgment affected several residential estates, including Pinnock Estate and Victory Park Estate, sparking new legal battles and settlements. Farotimi, representing one of the affected estates, accused Babalola of influencing the judiciary, claims Ajayi vehemently denies.
Ajayi emphasized that the law permits free speech but prohibits false statements designed to harm another’s reputation. He urged Nigerians to verify facts before forming opinions, asserting that Farotimi’s accusations lack evidence.
“The truth remains verifiable. Until Mr. Farotimi proves his allegations, the law must take its course. Falsehood aimed at tarnishing reputations is a punishable offense under Section 59 of the Criminal Code,” Ajayi stated.
The legal battle has drawn public attention, with many awaiting the outcome of Farotimi's bail application and subsequent trial. Ajayi reaffirmed Babalola's integrity, citing cases where he lost and was fined in court as evidence against claims of judicial manipulation.
Farotimi's book has reignited debates over freedom of expression, accountability, and the responsibilities that come with public accusations, with the legal system set to determine the veracity of his claims.
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